Parliament returns from a month long recess and just before the plenary sessions could start, the speaker of parliament Hon. Anita Among has issued strict Ebola guidelines to contain the spread of the virus to legislators, staff and all other persons visiting parliament.

“In the interest of safety and well-being of members, in exercise of responsible leadership, I did write to the Minister of Health asking her to guide us on how we should behave and how the House should be resumed because of the outbreak of Ebola,” Ms. Among – speaker of parliament.

The guidelines in place preclude visitors from parliament except for specifically invited persons.

“Unless you are coming to the committee but even when you are, you should be subjected to health checks and hand washing. If you have your visitors, kindly tell them to wait for you in the constituency,” Ms. Among said.

Ms. Anita Among consulted with the Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng on how best to handle the outbreak in parliament, some of the guidelines are as follows;

-Plenary sessions will have only 100 members of Parliament, the rest will debate virtually.

-Sessions to run for about 3 hours only

-All persons accessing parliament will be subject to body temperature check ups , tasked to wear face masks, and ensure that there is frequent hand washing, as well as sanitizing.

-The ministry of health officials to frequently update parliament on any new Ebola outbreak developments.

Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Anita Among encourages those with Ebola signs and symptoms to seek medical attention.

courtesy photo